Pep Guardiola makes Ilkay Gundogan admission after slow start to Man City return

Pep Guardiola has admitted Ilkay Gundogan needs time to rediscover his top form for Manchester City.

Gundogan made a surprise return to the Etihad this summer, just a year after leaving the club for Barcelona.

The 33-year-old has struggled in his six appearances so far this season, but City boss Guardiola insists fans just need to be patient.

“It will take time,” he said.

“He didn’t make a pre-season and needs to [get into] the rhythm - but he gives you something special but of course he will take it [time].”

Gundogan featured heavily for Germany at Euro 2024 as they went out to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals.

And with Rodri ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, City will be relying on Gundogan this season.

The midfielder was taken off in the second half of City’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday and attracted criticisim for his performance.

Former City full-back Micah Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast: “He had a poor game. I think Gundogan is better receiving the ball off the back four, playing it to [Erling] Haaland and then trying to get into the box. He has played in that position before and has done really well in a 10 at times but the balance wasn’t right for me.”

And ex-England winger Stewart Downing added on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Gundogan has looked a little bit off the pace with his final balls not quite being accurate. I’m not surprised [Phil] Foden has come on.”

City are back in action when they take on Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday night.